"The volumes of the Project on the History of Science, Philosophy and Culture in Indian Civilization aim at discovering the main aspects of India's heritage and present them in an interrelated way. In spite of their unitary look, they recognize the difference between the areas of material civilization and those of ideational culture. The project is executed by scholars with different ideological persuasions and methodological approaches and is marked by 'methodological pluralism'.

In spite of its primary historical character, this project, both in its conceptualization and execution, has been shaped by many scholars drawn from different disciplines. It is for the first time that an endeavour of such a unique and comprehensive character has been undertaken to study critically a major world civilization like India.

The present volume fills a serious lacuna in existing historiography with a comprehensive look at the social history of medieval India. Contributors examine a range of issues relating to medieval Indian history within the larger parameters of state and society: state forms and patronage, demographic distribution, societal organization, slavery, social change, gender relations, and urbanization.

The pan-Indian character of the volume is reflected in the way it looks at state forms and social organizations among the Cholas, the Delhi Sultanate, the Sultanate of Bengal, Himachal, Kumaon and Garhwal regions, medieval Rajasthan, the Vijayanagar state, Kerala, the Mughal Empire, Maharashtra and the Punjab. Written by eminent historians, the essays highlight the importance of the medieval period in Indian history.

This volume, and others in the series, will be of special interest to students and scholars of history, philosophy, cultural studies, as well as general readers interested in the civilization and culture of India." (jacket)